Chapter Twenty-One

Relief washed over Demetrius as Karanos summoned him into his presence, Alexei reluctantly following on a lead, his grumbling a constant reminder of his displeasure.

Demetrius stood at the door, his senses assaulted by the pungent scent of the bones that adorned the room. Each one, a stark testament to the Lord of the Drowned's wrath, whispered a tale of a forgotten past.

Demetrius hadn't noticed them before, but the ivory gleam of many remains was visible in the light. They were set high in the rafters, etched above the doorway. He suspected that even the statues glowering down at him were not all made of stone.

The God gazed at them impassively, taking in the dog's form and muscles. Rising to his feet, he stepped closer, running his finger over the animal's haunches. He nodded thoughtfully.